Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge | 10 Animal Fun Facts #MonkeyKingdomEvent. Post sponsored by Disney. All opinions are my own
Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge | 10 Animal Fun Facts
Thought you knew everything about the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge? Looking for more ways to get up close with the most unique hotel experience in the U.S.? As a part of our amazing Monkey Kingdom Event journey, I had a whole bunch of really incredible animal fun facts you’ll just have to share with your family…and of course, amazing pictures! So here for your Friday fun, enjoy Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge | 10 Animal Fun Facts you didn’t know!
1. 250 Animals at home
Disney guests aren’t the only residents of this totally unique hotel experience! 250 animals, including 30 different species calls the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge home. These species include zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and other amazing African savanna animals.
2. Over 46 acres, 4 different savannas
And I thought it was just one big savanna. But in fact, the 46 acres of amazing animal adventure is split into 4 different areas for the animals to roam. Be sure to stroll over to all 4 areas to get a new view of your savanna favorites!
3. The animals stay out all night
Unlike Animal Kingdom, the animals at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge are on opposite schedules. The animal actually do stay out all night long. So in case you kids want a view of the giraffes from their beds, you may just see your tall friends peeking under the moonlight! How cool is this?
4. Why you might not see animals in the morning
Looking to drink your cup of coffee overlooking the savanna? You may notice it to be empty for a little bit. From 6 to 11:30 am, the keepers alternate calling in their animal friends to their pens for feedings, physical checks, training, and cleaning the savanna areas. By the time you’re ready for your second cup of coffee, the animals may be back in action!
5. And cue the animals!
How do the keepers call in their animal friends in the morning? Believe it or not, the animals are trained to respond to a specific sound. When the morning time hits, the sound tells the animals it’s time to go to their pens…and they just walk over. I know, pretty amazing! There’s 4 different sounds for each savanna, so the animals do not get confused.
6. The people you don’t see
It actually takes quite the crew to keep watch over 250 animals. Though you may not see them, there’s a huge team of keepers everyday and every evening. During the day, 25 keepers, 4 managers and the Animal Operations Manager oversee the 4 savanna areas. During the evening hours, there are 10 keepers and 2 managers on call.
7. Daytime Animal exploration beyond your balcony
Looking for more opportunities to learn more about the animals at the Animal Kingdom Lodge? There’s a slew of amazing activities offered for families throughout the day. From Flamingo feedings, to Savanna Guide FAQ sessions, to Wildlife Games, and the famous Wanyama Safari, your family will love the unique experiences only found at this Disney hotel.
8. Nighttime animal viewing kicked up a notch
Watching animals at night will never be the same again! Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a amazing nighttime viewing opportunities to see the savanna in a whole new way. Check out the Night Safari with special night vision goggles and the Night Vision Animal Viewing for amazing sights in the dark!
9. Dine with an animal specialist
I’d love to tell you that I’m just an animal expert when it comes to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The truth is, I was able to pick up all of these amazing fun facts over lunch! Sitting down with Animal Operations Manager Greg Peccie at the Dine with Animal Specialists luncheon, we had the amazing experience of a personal meal with the guy that knows the Animal Kingdom Lodge Savannas inside and out! Ask your burning animal questions over a 4 course meal and really get the insider info on this unique Disney hotel! I just loved how open he was to the operations and his passion for his work. I would totally recommend this lunch for any HUGE animal lover!
10. You can do more for our animal friends
There are so many more opportunities at the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge to make a difference for animals. Throughout the hotel, families have the opportunity to donate to Disney’s Wildlife Conservation Fund, where the proceeds go directly to ensure the preservation of nature’s amazing creatures! From Safari rides to silent auctions, there’s an opportunity for you to get involved.
And speaking of animal friends, be sure to take your family to see Disneynature Monkey Kingdom, in theaters now! It’s just another way that you can get in touch with amazing creatures and learn so much more about their behaviors, their stories and their importance in our world.
The trailer gives such a nice glimpse of what the newest Disneynature documentary has to offer. An amazing story, a heroine and breathtaking footage, you will not be disappointed! Check out my full review, including my thoughts on whether this movie is safe for your little ones.
Have you been following along with my #MonkeyKingdomEvent adventures? Check out my amazing Disney experiences so far!
- Disney’s Wild Africa Trek
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Backstage Tales Tour
- Disney Animal Kingdom’s Wilderness Explorers Guide
- Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Best New Gardens for 2015
- Exclusive Interview with Disneynature Ambassador Dr. M. Sanjayan
- Monkey Kingdom Movie Review
The animals at the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge are now so much more than just great scenery. All of these amazing new animal fun facts gives me new perspective and appreciation for the Disney staff and the stars of this hotel.
What would you love to check out at the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge?
Disclosure ~ I was invited to attend and all-inclusive Disney media trip in exchange for this posting. All opinions are my own. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more reviews, giveaways and more.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That is absolutely amazing. It’s so HUGE! Then again, Disney does everything to the hilt. I love it!
Catherne S says
This is a really nice lodge. We went for Christmas a few years ago and our room was so nice. I would love to go again.
Marcie W. says
The Nighttime Safari sounds like an absolute must. I am also speechless at the thought of the animals being able to respond to different sounds for their morning feedings and checks. Nature is amazing!
Theresa says
I have wanted to stay here ever since seeing a documentary on the lodge. I think it would be so amazing to look out your window and see the animals all day and night!
Stacey- Travel Blogger says
I want to see all of it! The lodge, the park, just all of it! It looks simply amazing!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
You ask what I want to see most, but I can’t pick just one thing! They all look great! The giraffes and zebras and, of course, the monkeys all look like so much fun!
Jeanine says
How fun! Before your posts I had no idea Animal Lodge was in existence! This is really cool. Would love to visit one day! Giraffes would have all my attention they are my absolute favorite!
Crystal says
My kids would love being able to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Being so close to the animals throughout their trip would make my little monkeys even happier.
Amber C. says
Oh how beautiful! I have wanted to see the animal kingdom at Disney since it was built! Looks like a great adventure!
vanessa: BriteandBubbly says
Looks like such a wonderful place to stay. I will definitely think of staying or visiting it the next time we’re in Orlando.
Marie says
I didn’t even knew that there’s a Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The place looks amazing! I want to bring my kids there, they sure will love the place! 🙂
Rosey says
I would imagine it does take quite a crew to care for that many animals. I’ve always wanted to stay at that particular lodge, but we haven’t as yet.
melisasource says
Oh wow this looks like such an amazing experience! I would love to take my family one day!
Carly says
What an amazing place to stay! My daughter is OBSESSED with animals right now, and would absolutely love this!
Ann Bacciaglia says
This would be so much fun. I would love to dine with an animal specialist. I could learn so much from them.